The coolest cruise ships with indoor skydiving, ice-skating and drag brunches

EMBARK on incredible journeys of discovery by embracing life on the ocean wave.

There has never been a better time to explore the value, excitement and sheer variety of cruise holidays.

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Cruises have exploded in popularity as hundreds of new exciting liners have taken to the high seas and there is now a cruise ship out there for every age, interest and destination.

Virgin Voyages’ holidays are exclusively for adults, with a very grown-up approach to laid-back luxury.

Their third ship, Resilient Lady, joins sister vessels Scarlet and Valiant from May this year and will sail the Mediterranean this summer before embarking on a winter season in Australia and New Zealand.

And it may be the ultimate pleasure palace for the young at heart.

Expect high-end cuisine in the nine no-cover-charge restaurants, including authentic Mexican at Pink Agave and Korean barbecue at Gumbae.

Enjoy days lazing in the sunshine by the pool or enjoying a boozy Drag Brunch before ramping up the excitement at night with live music, entertainment and clubbing.

Sun readers can now save up to 55 per cent on the second sailor in their cabin and get up to $600 to spend on drinks during their sailing.

Choose to cruise the best of the Mediterranean or head across the Atlantic and sail from Virgin’s own terminal in Miami to the Caribbean and its private island, Bimini.

Want a great value fun and friendly family cruise?

Then choose Royal Caribbean International, which has the ultimate choice of exciting ships delivering amazing value as everything is included.

While your average beach resort will offer pools and kids’ clubs just like Royal Caribbean does, there is much so more to do on board an RCI ship.

Have fun on the climbing walls and try indoor skydiving and surf simulators.

There are even ice rinks and fairground rides such as carousels and bumper cars.

After dark, the whole family can enjoy exciting entertainment from neon-lit skydiving sessions to West End-style musicals.

And in another plus for families, you can even avoid the airports and sail directly from Southampton to the Mediterranean and beyond.

But the sheer variety of options on board means couples can expect just as much to keep them happy too – from high-end dining and superb spas to sophisticated nightlife.

Book before February 28 and you could save up to £700 on your stateroom and there are low deposits from just £99pp.

Entertainment is always a cruise highlight and Imagine Cruising has upped the ante with an exclusive voyage on board P&O Cruises Britannia this June, featuring celebrity acts on a two-week trip around the Great British isles.

Departing June 9 from Southampton, the stars of the voyage are comedian Jason Manford, soul queen Beverley Knight and life coach and hypnotist Paul McKenna.

As well as fantastic concerts and audiences with the celebrity trio, you will have the chance to explore the best of Britain with calls at Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as the stunning countryside and coastlines of the Orkney Isles.

Britannia is designed with Brits in mind.

There are 13 bars and 13 restaurants, including six speciality venues, as well as four pools to relax in on deck.

Prices are from just £799pp — that’s less than £60 per night.

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